Running For Office
2024 Election Schedule:
March 19 (Tues): Village Elections (Chatham, Kinderhook, Philmont, Valatie)
May 21 (Tues): School Elections -- voting hours vary; please check with your school district
June 25 (Tues): Primary Election -- polls open 6am-9pm; early voting Jun 15 - Jun 23
Nov 5 (Tues): General Election -- polls open 6am-9pm; early voting Oct 26 - Nov 3
2024 Political Calendar: (click through to download the full calendar)
***Please note the following does not include all deadlines.
See current political calendar for comprehensive date information.***
Designating Petitions:
First day to circulate designating petitions: February 27, 2024
Filing of designating petitions: April 1 - April 4, 2024
Last day to authorize, accept, or decline designations: April 8, 2024
Last day to fill a vacancy after a declination: April 12, 2024
Last day to file a substitution after a declination: April 16, 2024
Opportunity to Ballot (OTB) Petitions:
First day to circulate OTB petitions: March 19, 2024
Last day to file OTB petitions: April 11, 2024
Last day to file an OTB petition if there has been a declination by a designated candidate: April 18, 2024
Independent Nominating Petitions:
First day to circulate independent nominating petitions: April 16, 2024
Filing of independent nominating petitions: May 21 - May 28, 2024
Last day to accept or decline a nomination: May 31, 2024
Last day to fill a vacancy after a declination: June 3, 2024
Last day to decline after acceptance if nominee loses party primary: June 28, 2024
Candidates planning to carry petitions can obtain up-to-date required documentation from the State Board of Elections website. The Columbia County Board of Elections also had prepared petition templates that can be used by candidates and petitioners. Please call the BOE at 518-828-3115 to inquire.
Designating and Opportunity to Ballot Petitions signature requirements:
5% Party Enrollments by Election District, Town, County, State Assembly District, State Senate District, and Congressional District.
Independent Nominating Petitions:
5% of the votes cast for governor in the 2022 general election (excluding blanks and voids) by Election District, Town, County, State Assembly District, and State Senate District.
Other Petition Documents:
Sample Cover Sheet
Sample Certificate of Acceptance (for candidates)
Sample Certificate of Declination
Sample Certificate of Substitution
Sample Certificate of Authorization
Caucus Information:
First day to hold a caucus: February 27, 2024
Last day to file caucus nominating certificates: July 25, 2024
Please call (518-828-3115) or email (elections@columbiacountyny.com) the BOE for sample documentation.
Campaign Finance Requirements
Effective January 1st, 2020 all candidates must file directly with the New York State Board of Elections.
2023 Campaign Finance Local Contribution Limits
2023 Campaign Finance Filing Calendar
New York State Board of Elections Campaign Finance Resources
2023 NYSBOE Campaign Finance Handbook
Sign up for the Campaign Finance webinars offered by the New York State Board of Elections:
NEW! NYS Public Campaign Finance Program now open to all candidates running for State Legislative or Statewide offices.
Offices Up For Election
Village of Chatham offices up for election can be found at the village home page: Village of Chatham
Elected Officials